Consumer rights body allege govt indifference in Assam

Guwahati, Jan 12 (UNI) Only eight consumer courts are active in Assam, with even the state Consumer Commission functioning without a chairman for the last four years.

Pointing out this grave lack of awareness regarding consumer rights in the state, president of the Grahak Suraksha Santha Gopal Chandra Baishya today alleged that even the government was not playing its part.

He said all districts must have a consumer court but only eight were active in the state.

The Consumer Commission has been functioning without a chairman for the past four years. The government's plea that there are no retired justice to be appointed to the position does not hold ground as the consumers rights act have provision for appointment of sitting judges also, he said.

Stating that the Santha had held several rounds of discussions with the government in the last two years, Mr Baishya alleged that government had failed to fulfill its assurances.

He said the government had assured of special inspections and raids at markets before festive seasons.

''But with Magh Bihu just two days away, prices have escalated and the government is sleeping,'' he added.

He blamed the Food and Civil Supplies department and district administrations for the price rise.

Mr Baishya said the Santha would launch a mass movement after World Consumer Day on March 15 if the government does not fulfill its duty of spreading awareness regarding consumer rights.